Hospital admissions in children who had a kidney abnormality identified during pregnancy

Dr Lisa Hurt – Cardiff University

The Challenge

Chronic kidney disease is a growing contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease is important because it can reduce long-term kidney damage. Mild renal pelvis dilatation (RPD), seen in the foetus at the 18-20 week ultrasound scan, might be an early sign of kidney problems that can be used to identify which children need follow-up during childhood.

The Research

A study of ultrasound data from 2009 – 2011 was linked with hospital admission records.

The Findings

In this cohort study of more than 20,000 children in Wales, children with renal pelvis dilatation at the 18-20 week scan had higher rates of hospital admissions only when the dilatation persisted in later pregnancy or postpartum.

The Impact

Persistent renal pelvis dilatation is an important finding because it identifies children who need follow-up during childhood. Clear protocols for reporting and further investigation of RPD are needed. The team’s results can be used by Antenatal Screening Wales to develop new leaflets for prospective parents, and new guidelines for the sonographers who conduct ultrasound scan during pregnancy.